Simpler recycling

The Government have recently announced a new simpler approach to recycling that will be introduced across England to help make recycling easier for households.  

Under these new waste reforms people across England will be able to recycle the same materials whether at home, at school or at work.  

From 31 March 2026 (with the exception of plastic films which will need to begin by 31 March 2027), all waste collection authorities in England must collect the same recyclable waste streams for recycling or composting from households. 

The dry recyclable waste streams include:  

• paper and card  
• plastic (including bottles, pots, tubs and trays, tubes, food and drink cartons, plastic film and bags), 
• glass (including bottles and jars),  
• metal (including cans, aerosols, aluminium tubes, foil and food trays). 

Local authorities must also arrange for the weekly collection of food waste, preferably treated by anaerobic digestion and, where requested, collection of garden waste for which they may levy a charge.   

Steel and aluminium drink cans and PET bottles up to 3 litres in size can be returned via a deposit return scheme (DRS), which should begin in 2025.  

This new approach will aim to drive up recycling rates and contribute to the government’s ambition to reach net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 by diverting recyclable material away from landfill. 

The government response to the Simpler Recycling consultation can be viewed online.